Bird study is one of the topics that is gaining popularity, especially in terms of biodiversity conservation. The correct observation strategy is critical for generating accurate and reliable data. However, many bird species are difficult to observe directly, either because they are sensitive to observers' presence or because their habitats are difficult to access. As a birdwatcher, I frequently encounter this difficulty when attempting to obtain data on bird populations and behavior in the outdoors.
In solution to this challenge, camera traps have been developed as a new instrument that has important implications for bird study methodologies. Camera traps, which were originally used for mammal studies, are increasingly being used in avian research. Using camera traps in ornithology not only broadens the scope of research but also reveals previously unknown insights into bird behavior. Camera traps, which can take photographs automatically without human intervention, are an effective non-invasive method for watching bird species hidden in their natural habitats.
Using camera traps for observation not only overcomes the limits of traditional approaches but also allows for more extensive and reliable data collection. In research in the Sumatran forest, for example, we discovered that camera traps can detect the presence of endemic bird species that are rarely or almost never seen. The use of this technology allows us to study these species in ways that were previously unimaginable, enhancing our understanding of avian variation and the environments they inhabit.